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MOU Signing Formalises Strategic Partnership to Upskill Malaysia’s Workforce

March 6, 2025 – Wawasan Open University (WOU) has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with TT Vision Technologies Sdn Bhd, Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd and Clarion (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to enhance workforce development in Malaysia’s semiconductor and manufacturing sector.

The MoUs, signed today at WOU’s main campus in Penang, will see the university as the primary skills development partner for the three organisations, aimed at equipping 200 technical and engineering professionals with critical skills needed to excel in the Industry 4.0 era.

Empowering a Future-Ready Workforce

In her address, Prof Dr Lily Chan, Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor of WOU, emphasised the value of industry-academia collaboration in addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals. “This partnership shows how universities and industries can work hand in hand to meet the evolving needs of the workforce,” she said. “By integrating industry insights into our curriculum, we are preparing professionals to thrive in the face of rapidly advancing global challenges.”

The collaboration aligns with Penang’s strategic efforts to build a skilled workforce in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, automation, and automotive electronics, in line with regional talent development programmes from the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

Industry-Specific Training Programmes

The partnership will feature Professional Certificates and micro-credentials tailored to each industry. WOU will provide TT Vision with a certification in IoT-Enabled Manufacturing Analytics, covering key areas such as IoT, data analytics, and robotics integration. The certification includes micro-credentials that can be stacked towards Mechatronics Engineering or Smart Manufacturing degrees.

With Oppstar, WOU will deliver a Professional Certification in IC Design, focused on CMOS and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design, and Digital IC Design. Participants will also earn credit hours towards WOU’s Master of Science in System Design Engineering.

The collaboration with Clarion Malaysia will offer employees access to postgraduate qualifications, such as the Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing and the Master of Business Administration in Manufacturing Production & Management, equipping them with both technical and leadership skills.

Industry Partners Express Enthusiasm

Vasu Velayutha, Chief Strategy Officer of TT Vision Technologies, said, “This collaboration marks a significant step in preparing our workforce for the challenges and opportunities presented by smart manufacturing and IoT integration. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our organisation and our employees, who will see it as a valuable pathway to career advancement.”

Yeap Soon Lee, Executive Vice President of OppStar Technology remarked, “With IC design identified as a key focus under the NSS, this collaboration represents a significant step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor talent pipeline. By equipping participants with specialised IC design skills, we aim to drive innovation and enhance our competitiveness in the global semiconductor industry.”

“As automotive technology evolves rapidly, having a highly skilled talent pool is crucial to staying ahead in innovation and efficiency. We’re excited to partner with WOU to expand upskilling opportunities for our employees, enabling them to enhance their expertise and advance their careers through specialised postgraduate programmes,” said Tan Teong Khin, Managing Director of Clarion Malaysia.

Strengthening Penang’s Position as a High-Tech Talent Hub

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang stated, “With the rapid technological developments within the industry, it is crucial to promote comprehensive upskilling initiatives for our talents to be on par with the latest industrial demands. The public-private partnership model between our educational institutions and industrial players is a positive step in preparing a sustainable pipeline of industry-ready talents, further underscoring Penang’s reputation as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East.’” Dato’ Loo also noted that the initiative aligns with Penang STEM Talent Blueprint and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which are crucial for keeping Malaysia competitive in the global high-tech landscape.

Expanding Future Collaborations

WOU is actively engaging with companies across various sectors to expand upskilling initiatives and solidify Penang’s reputation as a high-tech talent hub.

Organisations interested in partnering with WOU are encouraged to reach out for more information.

For further details, please contact WOU Academy at enquiry@wou.edu.my or visit www.wou.edu.my.

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About InvestPenang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), and Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy) and Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp Channel and TikTok.

Wawasan Open University (WOU)
Empowering Adult Learners through Innovation and Flexibility
Wawasan Open University (WOU) has been a pioneering force in open distance learning (ODL) in Malaysia for over two decades, offering flexible and forward-thinking education pathways alongside innovative programme offerings. WOU caters primarily to working adults, providing accessible and convenient learning solutions that enable them to upskill and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving, increasingly digital economy.

To date, more than 28,000 students have chosen WOU to advance their careers and personal growth. These learners benefit from programmes designed to seamlessly fit into their busy lives—whether they are studying from home, at work, or on the go. WOU offers a wide range of diplomas, degrees, micro-credentials, professional certification courses and corporate training, all tailored to align with the skills required in the digital economy.
www.wou.edu.my

Contact:

InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
elaine@investpenang.gov.my / arief@investpenang.gov.my
+604-646 8833

Wawasan Open University
Angelina Ong
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs and Communications
kkong@wou.edu.my
013 772 0128

Rasidah Mion
Corporate Communications Manager
rasidahbm@wou.edu.my
019 314 2003